Oh, the poor girl. Snape is obviously doing his level-headed best to help her, but she seems to be drowning in agony - willfully drowning, at that. Though his standing up to Percy... marvelous. And the description of the jams had my taste buds tingling. I am so looking forward to seeing where you take this story, so rich with possibility and riddled with anguish. 

Snape seems to have a plan and he certainly has charisma. When their eyes meet Hermione is affected favorably.

It looked to me that Snape felt Percy was wading in on his territory and that Hermione was clearly not interested. Percy calling Snape 'mate' was a jaw dropper. Great scene.

After reading this chapter, I find myself hoping that you've said this is dark in reference to Hermione's state of mental and emotional wellbeing, and not because of anything to do with one Severus Snape.  Because I happen to really like this caring, thoughtful, protective, sensitive, well-meaning, yet still so very Snapish man.

The jam of the month club was a riot.  I'm certain he meant it in an entirely sincere way as he really seems interested in her health and wellbeing, but I found it clever and funny.  Too bad Hermione is in the wrong frame of mind to appreciate the humor in it.  She can't even get past the notion that she is undeserving of a gift.  He truly has his work cut out for him.

... terrified that Snape might be within—and equally terrified that he might not.

This longing that she feels undeserving of is just one more stressor in a long line of them, but it is different from her usual fare of survivor's guilt and I think while stressful, it might be a good distraction for her.

Percy can be a downright prat at times, but I did feel a bit bad for him in the library.  Snape makes a good point about his need to pick up cues from Hermione, but her friends are trying the best way they know how to include her and bring her out of her depression.  You can't fault them just for not knowing how to handle a delicate situation.  I really think they believe forcing her to be social will help.  Still, I'm glad she has an advocate, and I hope that he didn't drive her away for getting into it with Percy.

I am very much enjoying this and cannot wait to see what comes next.  I have faith that Hermione can get better with the right help ... if he doesn't blow it.

Yay! Another wonderful chapter.  To feel so isolated is heartbreaking, but I have a feeling Snape isn't going to allow Hermione to wallow in her funk for long.  Can't wait for Chapter 3

You portray a Hermione on the ragged edge of sanity so very well. Why does she think Harry's and Ron's deaths are her fault, I wonder? Your portrayal of Severus begs more questions than it answers at this point. He's NOT the Severus Snape we remember, being uncharacteristically nice to Hermione. What's going on in that mind of his?

This story is fascinating. I was glad to see another chapter:)

Fizzabella

As I read this I can see the tenuous threads that have been holding Hermione together are quickly unravelling.  That a singular question and act of kindness can take her to such an edge.  Beautifully written as always.

poor hermione.  as if her survivor's guilt isn't enough, now she's somehow awakened that sleeping lion of snape's ... protective instincts?  and i guess she's getting a little more than she bargained for already.  :D

and i shall refrain from exhorting you to write fast! 

Oh, this is painfully sad, but that hope in Sev being her champion somehow is breathtaking.

How very out of character Snape is being. But I must say I like the 'forward' Snape, I just wonder why he is so interested in Hermione. Look forward to finding out!

*anxiously bites her nails waiting for what happens next*

I'm glad Snape stood up for her, since she is unable to stand up for herself; she was happy enough to sit with Snape and read a book while drinking wine, instead of hauling off to a pub.  (Although I'm surprised she was able to read a book about war orphans, which might have included Harry and possibly Neville.)  After she found Hagrid, Grawp, and the others, someone should have hugged her and told her they were glad she was alive.  It wasn't her fault she'd been hexed and couldn't follow Harry and Ron.  Thanks for the new chapter!

Things are getting decidedly sticky for Hermione. I do like this Severus. In charge.....taking crap from no one and seemingly eager to look after and nurture our Miss Granger. Lovely, sweet stuff Subby and looking forward to (much) more. Oh and anyone who kicks Percy's sorry arse is a hero in my book. Best wishes, Love Ali xxxxx. 

He hissed, ‘You are no mate of mine, sir, and from your continued bad behaviour, I would hazard a guess that you are no mate of Miss Granger's, either.’

I rather like his comment to Percy, though Hermione didn't. :) Look forward to more. Cheers.

Hmmmmmmmmmm... the plot thickens... not unlike expensive jams, no?  I wonder if this going where I think it is going?  Ah, well, where ever that is, I shall enjoy the ride there.  (And I love it when Snape gets all hissy and jealous and protective).

Survivor's guilt is an emotion that Severus understands well, and as such, he sees exactly what Hermione is dealing with, and he knows what she needs and what she doesn't need from her friends.  I'm glad he was there when Percy came to get her to go to the pub with the rest of them.  I don't think Percy intended to distress her, but neither did he pick up on the fact that she didn't want to go with them. 

Unfortunately, I also think Severus' dislike of Percy Weasley came through loud and clear and upset Hermione more than was necessary. 

The gift of the jams was a sincere effort to show her that he understood and to remind her that she was a worthy individual, but Hermione isn't yet to the point where she can allow herself to explore this idea.  I can't help but wonder if she isn't suffering the after effects of the curse that felled her during the battle.  This depression she has is robbing her of any joy, and I hope Severus' experience in dealing with his own will lead him to a way of gently breaking through the wall she has built around herself.

I think they have a long road ahead of them, but I have hope, too.  What will Severus do now that Hermione has run away once again?  Will he seek her out?  Or will he just allow her to be for the moment?  I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thanks for this new chapter!
Beth

I read the first chapter on Ashwinder as I perused through reading all of your other posted works. You are a talented writer, and I look forward to following this story.

Ohh, with chapter two the story is shaping up nicely. I didn't get the jam thing until he told her how it gave him pleasure to see her eat. So, clever is our Snape.

And this:

Certainly they had been the ones closest to Harry—and many were amongst Ron’s family, to boot—but Hermione had seen the accusing glances cast her way. She had known that deep inside, the people who mattered most knew of her guilt and her shame and wished her dead.

This is very revealing of Hermione's feelings of guilt and remorse, however true or false her reflections might be. Survivors guilt is eating away at her, how difficult a thing it must be to deal with. No wonder she is withdrawn and depressed. And who better to understand her and the darkness she is living with than Severus.

And this part:

‘I … I don’t have … anyone, anymore,’ ... ‘Harry and Ron—my mum and dad—they’re all … gone.’

It just made my heart ache for her.

And the tension builds...

Can't wait for the next chapter!

O.
M.
Guh!

I am so there.

~squeeee~

Oooooh, a knight in shining black armor! Hermione needs time and perhaps some subtle nudges to recover, not people badgering her to join in a "fun" evening down the pub. Jam and wine are such lovely ways to quietly suggest that eating more would be useful. Not to mention that it would bring pleasure to Snape. Don't we all want to bring pleasure to Snape?

I do like the idea of a guilt-ridden, post-war Hermione. It gives her such a firm connection with Severus. The trick is to make her see it. I suspect that Severus sees it already.

I am so getting into this story.  I love how Sev is taking up for Moine.  He realizes how hurt and guilty she is because he has made this trip before.  Thank you for the update and I look forward to your next chapter.

Lovely thoughtful gift... can feel Hermione being drawn to Severus; the smallest crack opening - lovely dynamics of her relentless guilt of having survived shadowing her; and, of course, Severus putting Percy in his place...

Very clear depiction of a depressed, despondent Hermione - contrasted with those around her... love how Severus is observant, and how she is responding to him - how he knows just what to do/how to approach her - really striking/lovely.

This is an engrossing read; and knightly!Snape is just like the jam on the toast, really. I loved the gift of jams, and well as Snape's phrase "I sent the jam because it gave me pleasure to watch you eat it". This can be easily allusive to other matters.